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St. Luke United Methodist Church seeks to be an open minded church

guiding its members to Live purposefully, to intentionally

Grow in faith and to significantly Serve God and their communities.

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A monthly newsletter of what is happening

in your church

August, 2016

Volume 52, Issue 8

Recently I have had a number of people ask me about my thoughts

related to the issue of immigration. First, I believe that immigration is not a single issue. The complexities of legal and ille-gal immigration are far too expansive for me to address in this brief article. Addi-tionally, I am not able to speak with authority about the legal aspects. My understanding of these issues comes with some reading and research along with my theological and biblical under-standings related to the topic.

In my career as a pastor, I have worked with immigrants from Mexico, various Arab countries, Laos, and Vietnam. Addi-tionally, I have worked to help a woman and her family emigrate from the United States to Canada. All of these experienc-es reinforce my initial thought that the issues of immigration, for any reason, are extremely complicated.

The immigration debate in the United States is often overshadowed by the polarizing commentary of some politi-cians and activists calling for bigger walls, tougher laws and more efficient processes for gathering illegal immi-grants to expel them from the country. The typical concerns that many have with Hispanic immigrants is that they come to the U.S. and take jobs from citi-zens or place greater strain on social services. Muslims who immigrate are often feared to be terrorists wishing to do harm to the U.S. In one community, where I lived for a few years, residents were concerned about the immigration of persons from Southeast Asian. The fear was that these Asian persons would take their dogs and eat them as this was as-sumed to be a practice of all southeast Asian persons. Local authorities indicat-ed that there was never any evidence to substantiate this concern.

In the heated rhetoric of the debate, the

greatest enemy or threat that we confront is the fear that we possess. Unbridled fear can become consuming and control-ling if we allow it to overtake our capacity for rational thought. In this sense, it does not matter if you lean politically to the left, right or somewhere in between. The fear of foreigners entering our land may have more to say about our struggle to believe in the presence of God in the world than it does about persons coming to our country. The scripture below writ-ten to instruct the Hebrew people to wel-come the stranger into their lands is made more profound by the fact that the Hebrew people placed great emphasis on the purity of their race and beliefs. As a monotheistic faith, they felt tremendous pressure to maintain the purity of their faith while avoiding the influence of other cultures and polytheistic religions to blend with them. This command from Leviticus underscores the faithful expres-sion of God’s hospitality to all people, even those perceived as threats.

When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as your-self, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Leviti-cus 19:33-34 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The New Testament also speaks in the great proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ when we read:

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people… Luke 2:10 (NRSV)

This became the message that Jesus brought to the people repeatedly to remind them that nothing can overcome God’s love and goodness. No threat, no idea, no evil of any sort is more powerful

Continued, Page 3

CHAD’S ANGLE

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Worship Service Times

Sundays at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, August 7 Rev. Chad Anglemyer preaching

Communion will be served in the 9:00 & 10:30 worship services.

Sunday, August 14 Rev. Chad Anglemyer preaching

Sunday, August 21 Rev. Chad Anglemyer preaching Sunday School & youth resume.

Sunday, August 28 Rev. Chad Anglemyer preaching

Chancel Choir will sing in the 10:30 worship service.

Check out our new web site!

www.stlukeumc.com

Check us out on Facebook

Go to St. Luke’s web site and look for the link to our Face-book page at the bottom of each page on our web site. If you “Like” our Facebook page, you will receive updates whenever we add something new to our page.

Schedule on Sunday mornings (Summer)

9:00 AM—Worship, children & youth remain in worship with their family & friends, nursery

care available for infants through age 3

10:30 AM—Worship, children & youth remain in worship with their family & friends,

nursery care available for infants through age 3

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Chad’s Angle, continued from Page 1

than the eternal love of God made known to us through the life and teachings of Jesus the Christ.

I find it hopeful that the United Methodist Church is an organization of faith and not just another political entity. The Book of Discipline includes a clear statement on the rights of immigrants that all United Methodists should reflect upon:

We recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God. We affirm the right of all persons to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, health care, education, and freedom from social discrimination. We urge the Church and society to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all. (Book of Discipline - 162-H)

This statement does not differentiate between those who do or do not possess a certain status. It affirms the idea that all people are children of God, deserving of respect and civil treatment. If this type of radical hospitality is a part of what it means to be United Methodist and Christian, what is required of us to live out the biblical and theological mandates before us?

Avoid the use of writing and speech grounded in hate and exclusion. The best practice is to adopt the role of learner and seeker engaging in meaningful and respectful dialogue. Remember that most immigrants of any status are usually victims, not villains. They are fleeing oppression by governments or dictators. They are fleeing local violence fueled by the drug wars or human trafficking to satisfy a growing global demand. In most ways, immigrants are like us. They are doing anything they can to care for themselves and their families under dire circumstances. They experience the same needs and desires that we do: to earn a living, maintain a family, educate their children, live in safety, and experience peace.

As Christians, we can involve ourselves in group and individual action that promotes justice and support the needs of people who have few resources when they arrive in the United States. Most important, we are asked to recall the life and teachings of Jesus. He would not turn away from anyone regardless of their national origin, cultural heritage, or documentary status.

The topic of immigration and immigration reform deserves a fair and in-depth time of reflection by all Christians. It requires our personal attention as Christians and the consideration of our entire congregation. We should not ignore the plight of people among us who have come only looking for the hospitality of strangers for they may be among us the face of Jesus Christ.

…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40b (NRSV)

—Peace, Pastor Chad

Roof Update

We are so pleased that the roof project is finally complete!

The insurance company has paid for the replacement of the roof itself, and we now have a roof (with better drainage) that will provide a dry and safe environment for both the Child Development Center and Children's Ministry for years to come.

The roof replacement project took a long time. Extensive hail damage to the roof at the end of the renovation was followed by a long process of working with the insurance company to get bids. We also had a wet spring, limiting the number of days each week that the roofers could work.

The roof itself is now complete! We are doing the follow-up cleaning and sanitizing of classrooms, replacing ceiling tile, and moving children back into their spaces.

Our staff and CDC families have been patient and supportive. Additionally, the St. Luke congregation has been ready and willing to come and pitch in numerous times. We are grateful to the members of the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and to all who volunteered their time to help with projects related to the roof. Thanks to all the members and friends of St. Luke who have offered their prayers and support.

Committee Meetings This Month

UMW Advent Committee—Tues, Aug 2, 6:00 p.m.—Conference Room

UMW Boutique Committee—Tues, Aug 2, 7:00 p.m.—Conference Room

Children & Youth Ministry Team—Mon, Aug 8, 6:30 p.m.—CE Meeting Room

Finance Committee—Tues, Aug 16, 6:00 p.m.—Conference Room

Congregational Care Ministry Team—Tues, Aug 16, 7:00 p.m.—CE Meeting Room

Missions Team—Wed, Aug 17, 6:00 p.m.—Conference Room

Administrative Council—Thurs, Aug 18, 6:00 p.m.—Great Room

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Children’s Ministries Resume

Sunday School for children age 4-Grade 6

Starts Sunday, August 21—Sunday School is offered during the 9:00 worship service in the Education Wing. (Nursery care for infants-age 3 is offered during both the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship services.)

Mission Possible Kids for Grades 1-6

Starts Wednesday, September 7—MP Kids meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Education Wing Hub (but always use west bell tower doors for dropping off and picking up). For information about MP Kids, contact Cayden Biddle at cayden.biddle@gmail.com or Kara Rieke at krieke@me.com

Club 56 for Grades 5-6

Starts Wednesday, August 17—Club 56 meets every Wednesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Education Wing Hub (but always use west bell tower doors for dropping off and picking up). For information about Club 56, contact Cayden Biddle at cayden.biddle@gmail.com or Kara Rieke at krieke@me.com

Youth Ministries Resume

Sunday Morning Confirmation for Jr. High youth (Grades 7-8)

Resumes Sunday, August 21—Confirmation meets during the 9:00 worship service (we start out in the worship service, then head down to the Youth Lounge after the greeting time). For information about Confirmation, contact Craig Howell at wchowell@mac.com or 402-669-9315. (See more information about Confirmation in the article at the bottom of this page.)

Sunday Morning for Sr. High youth (Grades 9-12)

Resumes Sunday, August 21—Sr. High Sunday School meets during the 9:00 worship service (we start out in the worship service, then head down to the Youth Lounge after the greeting time). For information about Sr. High Sunday School, contact Barb Bradley at barbbradley69@gmail.com

Wednesday Night Crossfire for Jr. High youth (Grades 7-8)

Resumes Wednesday, August 17—Crossfire meets every Wednesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge (but always use west bell tower doors for dropping off and picking up). For information about Crossfire, contact Nate Croom at mncroominne@cox.net or 402-661-0956, or Roger Penzotti at rpenzotti@aol.com

Wednesday Night for Sr. High youth (Grades 9-12)

Resumes Wednesday, August 17—Sr. High youth meet every Wednesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge (but always use west bell tower doors). For information about Sr. High youth, contact Stephen and Paige Toller at stephentoller@yahoo.com; Joan Fredrickson at jmfred@iname.com; or Walter and Angela O’Donohue at angie.odonohue@gmail.com

FaithLinks Discussion Group on Sundays

Everyone is welcome!!!

The FaithLinks Discussion Group meets on Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:25 in the Conference Room (by the Missions Corner). All persons are welcome to this discussion group.

The group uses FaithLinks study guides to facilitate discussion on a wide range of current events and how our faith impacts our views and responses. We meet between worship services to provide a joint opportunity for persons who attend the service at 9:00 or 10:30.

Contact Sue in the Church Office if you want the weekly

discussion guide emailed to you. You can contact Sue

at 402-333-6886 ext. 300 or suzanne@stlukeumc.com.

(You are welcome to receive the weekly copy, whether or

not you participate in the group.)

Confirmation Starting Up for Grades 7-8

At St. Luke, all youth Grades 7-8 participate in Confirmation Classes on Sunday mornings during the 9:00 worship service. The Confirmation Class also has additional special events scheduled throughout the year which the youth take part in. At the close of their 8th Grade year, youth are confirmed into membership. For further information about Confirmation, contact Pastor Marshall at marshall@stlukeumc.com or 402-333-6886 ext. 318.

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CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUMECHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME

For information about Chancel Choir, contact the director, Dr. Terry Theis, at drt576@centurylink.net. For information about Chancel Ringers, contact the director, Betsy Kallstrom, at flute2tor@gmail.com

In addition to Wednesday rehearsals, the choirs also rehearse on Sunday mornings prior to performing. All choir performances are during the 10:30 worship service.

New persons are welcome in both choirs!!!

Choirs Rehearsals Begin

Rehearsal Schedule

Performance Schedule

Chancel Choir (adult vocal choir)

Wednesday evening, Aug. 24

Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Every Sunday (first performance Aug. 28)

Chancel Ringers (adult bell choir)

Wednesday evening, Aug. 24

Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15 p.m.

Usually 3rd Sunday every month (first performance Sept. 18)

St. Luke Golf Fun Nights Meet

Through Aug. 25

We meet at Warren Swigart Golf Course at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursday nights of each month from May through August.

Women and men of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Our focus is on fun, fellowship and a little exercise as we hit that little ball around this Par 3 course.

We always follow our golf nights at La Mesa Mexican Restau-rant (just off 110th & Maple)—if you can’t make the golf, any-one is welcome to meet the golfing group at La Mesa.

If you are interested and/or plan to attend, please always RSVP to Joel Rastede at the 9:00 worship service or jrastede@centurylink.net, or Barb Bradley at the 10:30 ser-vice, at barbbradley69@gmail.com or at 402-677-9635.

(After August 25, we will recess for the school year and re-sume next summer.)

Congregational Care Ministry Team…

Can You Help Make a Difference to

Someone?

The Congregational Care Ministry Team supports the congregation and staff in assisting those who are grieving, who are now home bound or living in care facilities, and those who are recovering from illnesses. In the next few weeks and months, we will also be contacting people with whom St. Luke has lost touch.

If you have any interest in helping provide rides to church services or meetings for those who need help with transportation, or if you can help serve those in need in other ways, please contact Pastor Marshall at marshall@stlukeumc.com, or Charlene Fletcher at cffletch2@cox.net

If you want to join this ministry, just let us know. We enjoy working together and would love to have you as part of our ministry team.

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Fellowship Movie Nights

Fellowship Movie Nights are open to everyone at St. Luke. New people are ALWAYS welcome! This group was formed to allow for people to meet and get to know other St. Luke members through the vehicle of watching and discussing movies.

We typically meet once a month. See the weekly mass emails for the date and details about what movie we will be watching that night.

NOTE: There will be no Fellowship Movie Night in August, but we will resume Fellowship Movie Nights in September.

The movies will be held at Dave and Karen Wilson’s home (15727 Burdette Street). The “lobby” opens at 6:30 and the movie will start at 7:00, followed by a discussion. Popcorn and soft drinks will be provided.

Seating is limited, so please notify Dave Wilson at dlwdarsco@aol.com or 402-965-9536 to reserve your seat.

St. Luke’s Men’s Group—All Men Invited

2nd Tuesday of each month—Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Cunningham’s Pub & Grill (10904 West Dodge Road). This is a social gathering at which we hang out, get to know each other and discuss upcoming projects.

Last Saturday of each month—Breakfast at St. Luke at 7:30 a.m. in the St. Luke cafeteria (use the south lower canopy entrance). During our breakfasts, we discuss different topics and prepare for a church project that we will work on for a while that morning.

For details about the Men’s Group, contact Pastor Marshall.

Our Web Site is Up & Running!

We are very happy to announce that our new web site is up and running! Please check it out at:

www.stlukeumc.com

In upcoming mass emails and Couriers, we will be highlighting some of the features of our new web site. In the coming year, we anticipate adding a few more features.

Take a few minutes to look around our web site and see:

Pastor’s Blog

Calendar (what, where and when things are happening at St. Luke this week and this month)

Courier newsletters (current and past)

Online giving (cash and non-cash gifts)

Under “What We Believe,” in addition to St. Luke’s belief statement, you will find links about: The United Methodist Church Local ministries we support United Methodist History Progressive Theology

Under “Worship & Activities,” you will find information about our worship services and regular activities. You will also find a list of St. Luke small groups.

“Live, Grow, Serve Campaign”

The “Live, Grow, Serve Campaign” officially ended at the end of May, 2016. Thank you to each one of you who supported that campaign, which allowed us to fully renovate and redesign our Child Development Center and many aspects of our worship spaces. All of this work equates to a more comfortable, welcoming and safe environment for visitors to St. Luke and for the children and staff who are with us every day.

If you have yet to complete your pledge to the Campaign, please know that we will continue to receive your contributions. Please continue to mark “LGS Campaign” on the memo line of your checks.

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Looking Ahead to Advent...Something New is Coming to St. Luke!

The St. Luke United Methodist Women are planning a very special event on Sunday, December 4. We will hold our first annual “Advent by Candlelight” for ladies of the congregation, their female family members, friends, and neighbors.

Advent by Candlelight is an opportunity for women of all ages to set aside the hustle and bustle of holiday preparation and focus their minds and hearts on the real reason for Christmas, the birth of Christ. We are planning a lovely evening of candlelight, music, fellowship and inspiration to help you prepare your hearts for the Advent season before the holidays get into full swing!

Mark your calendar now for this special event on December 4. Watch future editions of the “Courier” for more information about how you can get involved in making this event even more enjoyable and successful.

Donations of Handcrafted Items Needed for This Year’s Boutique

At this year’s Boutique on September 24, the women of St. Luke will also host their own table featuring handcrafted items for sale, with the profits going to St. Luke. We are looking for donations of handcrafted items (i.e. wood, metal, etc.) for that table. If you have handcrafted items, made by you, that you are willing to donate, or if you have questions, contact Ruth Henderson at 402-393-5915.

Donated items for the table will be received on the Thursday and Friday prior to the Boutique (September 22-23). We do not have room to collect items prior to September 22.

As we near the end of summer, and all of our regular

St. Luke programs and activities start back up, we

hope to see you in worship on Sunday mornings!

Save the Date for This Teen Center Celebration!

Believe it or not, it has been ten years since the St. Luke Teen Center began! (A very successful ten years!)

To celebrate, we are planning a celebration fundraiser! Please mark your calendars for Thursday, October 6!

We will celebrate the past and raise money to continue the success.

How can you help? We need help in a number of ways:

Come to the event.

Put a hosted or “no host” table together (tables of 10).

Provide names of people who may want to come that we can invite.

Provide names of companies/individuals who may want to help sponsor the event. Sponsorship opportuni-

ties start at $1,250.

Put together an auction package. If you don’t want to put a

package together, we will shop for you!

Help in the planning process!

We have heard of the success stories in our Teen Center

through the years and we want to continue to support struggling

teens and their families build amazing futures!

For further information about any of the items above,

contact Amy Deardorff at amy.deardorff@cox.net

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Paint-A-Thon

This is the third year that St. Luke has participated in our city’s annual Paint-A-Thon. We are one of about 55 groups that will paint houses this year. Our home to paint has been selected and should be a great fit for us. It is located at 4324 North 32nd Street and belongs to a 76-year-old wom-an. Paint-A-Thon is always the third Saturday in August, so this year’s date is August 20. This is a family friendly event and it would be great to have a bunch of fami-lies join us. The home is a small 1½ story with detached garage. With a good crew of volunteers, we plan to be done by noon.

Please consider joining us on this date to make a difference for this lady. It will be helpful if we know who is going to come—for more details or to RSVP, contact Loyd Neve at LNeve34@aol.com

If you do join us August 20, wear your St. Luke shirt! We love to ad-vertise what church we are from!

Community Meal

It’s been a while since we have hosted and served a Community Meal, but we have one coming up! On Saturday, August 27, it is our turn to prepare and serve lunch at First Baptist Church for needy peo-ple in the community. We always have a lot of fun doing this. Come out and join us! If you’ve never

“Let Your Light Shine!” is our theme as we seek to significantly serve God and our communities.

payable to St. Luke and mark “Habitat” on the memo line.

Thank You for NUMB Support

NUMB 2016 Bike Ride for Hunger was a great success! Starting in Milford, we biked approximately 230 miles. Over $60,000 was raised. Thank you to all who do-nated to this cause.

St. Luke T-Shirts, Sweatshirts &

Aprons

Orders for St.

Luke t-shirts,

sweatshirts and

aprons can be

made any time.

If you wish to

order any of

these items,

contact the

Church Office for an order

form. The t-shirts, sweatshirts

& aprons are made available

by St. Luke’s Missions Team.

They are great to wear

whenever we are out in the

community serving others.

done it before or if you are a sea-soned volunteer, we’d love to have your help on August 27! (And don’t forget to wear your St. Luke shirt!)

It is helpful to know who is going to come. For details or to RSVP, contact Margaret Thompson at mthompson873@hotmail.com

We will also be collecting desserts for the Community Meal. Desserts can be dropped off at the Church Office on Thursday or Friday, August 25-26.

Heartland Hope

Volunteers from St. Luke continue to help out at Heartland Hope Food Pantry on the last Thursday of eve-ry month from 1:00-4:00 p.m. If you would like to be part of this group, contact the Church Office for details.

Habitat

Work on our Habitat house contin-ues every Saturday through the summer and into the early fall. The address of our house is 3901 North 17th Street (northwest corner of 17th & Laird). Volunteers are al-ways needed!

In addition to volunteers, St. Luke has committed to raising money, along with other mem-bers of the ELF Coalition, to help pay for the costs of rehabbing this home. You can contribute between now and the end of summer. Make your check

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Women’s Bible Study Has recessed for the summer and will resume in the fall. For details about this group, contact Margaret Thompson at mthompson873@hotmail.com or 402-689-0449.

Dining Out Group Our next gathering is September 9—Watch next month’s “Courier” for details. For details about this group, contact Elaine Misner at 402-498-8346 or emmisner2@aol.com

Quilting Group Friday, August 12 from 9:00-3:00, in the home of a member—Each quilter brings a sack lunch and the hostess provides beverages. Interested St. Luke women are invited to come—

no prior quilting experience is necessary. Quilters may work on a group project (donation quilts) or bring their own work. For details and/or location for the next meeting, call the Church Office at 402-333-6886 ext. 300.

UMW Book Club Meets every other month—see Book Club listings below for details.

Women of all ages are invited and welcome to attend any of these activities...and please feel free to invite friends!

Women’s Ministry

St. Luke

Book Clubs…

Good Reading

& Stimulating

Discussion

St. Luke book clubs are open to anyone who is interested. The books we discuss are chosen by members in each group, and we all enjoy talking about what we have read and how it impacted us. This is a great way to get to know others at St. Luke! We would love to have you come!

Guilty Pleasures Book Club Our next meeting will be Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Luke’s Conference Room. We will discuss What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. For details about this book club, contact Jean Lahrs at 402-397-1061.

UMW Book Club Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Paradise Bakery (Regency). We will discuss The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. For details about this book club, contact Sue Rood at 402-493-3745 or suzanne@stlukeumc.com

S

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Back-to-School Time is HERE!

As we prepare to open our doors to 150 students for our 10th (!!) school year, we hope to stock our shelves with the items that they need to be successful and that they may not have access to. Below is a list of items we are collecting in our annual School Supply Drive for the St. Luke Teen Center.

Highest Need Medium Need

Mechanical Pencils Pens

Backpacks Colored Pencils

Markers Highlighters

Calculators (TI-30X and TI-84) Post-It Notes

Folders Permanent Markers

3-Subject Notebooks Scotch Tape

1-Subject Notebooks Posterboard

1-1 1/2” Binders Scrapbook Supplies

Binder Tabs Scrapbooks

Flash Drives

We are collecting now through the end of August. You may place your donations on the table in the Missions Corner.

Thank you in advance for supporting our young people in their academic endeavors.

Abbey Jackson, Teen Center Director ▪ 402-333-6886 ext. 328 ▪ abbey@stlukeumc.com

Check out our Facebook page: StLuke TeenCenter